“I had no direction in my life whatsoever when I came here… Now I want to go back to school to become an addiction therapist, so that I can be part of other people’s recovery and a positive force in their life like the staff at Beaches was for me.”

Why is Fentanyl Dangerous?

Fentanyl is a powerful opiate that is used to control pain. You may have heard of it as Duragesic, Actiq, or Sublimaze. Fentanyl is related to other opioid prescription painkillers. It is derived from opium, which comes from the Asian poppy plant. But it is different because it is far stronger than nearly all other types of opioid-based pain relievers. For example, it is up to 100 times more powerful than the opioid-based drug, morphine.

Fentanyl treats extreme pain from cancer treatment, surgery, or intense injuries. Like other opioid pain relievers, however, this drug is extremely addictive and addiction comes on quickly.

How Does Fentanyl Work?

As with other opioid drugs, fentanyl works by doing two things. First, it increases your body’s production of dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that makes you feel relaxed and happy. It helps you forget worries and lowers your inhibitions. Fentanyl also blocks pain receptors, the reason for its use as a pain reliever.

Individuals may become addicted to fentanyl for a variety of reasons. For example, some experts say that certain individuals are predisposed to addictive behaviors because of their genetics. Social factors may also play a role. You can find this drug, like other opioid painkillers, on the black market. Used for recreational purposes it may end up in social circles. This often happens with young people.

Most individuals addicted to Fentanyl use it because of a doctor’s prescription. They may have been experiencing chronic or acute pain, or they may have just come out of surgery. Taking the drug for only a few days or weeks can cause tolerance and physical dependence to develop. Soon these individuals who were once only taking the drug out of necessity are now seeking it to feel its positive effects.

Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

The outward signs of addiction to this drug include dizziness, headaches, constipation, itching, slowed breathing, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and seizures. Those who do not have a tolerance for opioids may be at special risk for overdose. In the case of overdose, this drug can be lethal as it causes the respiratory system to depress to the point of failure.

Are You Struggling with an Addiction? Beaches Recovery Can Help

Beaches Recovery of Jacksonville, Florida provides treatment for fentanyl addiction and addictions to other substances as well. You can choose from one of our many programs, including:

In addition to our core programs, we also offer detox as well as addiction counseling and therapy and dual diagnosis treatment for those who are struggling with mental health disorders or mood disorders as well as addiction. To learn about all the programs we offer and to speak with one of our addiction specialists, give us a call at 866-605-0532. Today is a great day to start your recovery.

Stop allowing addiction to control your life, and take action. Call today.